German Studies

German studies explore the German language and literature in their structure and development. As a theory of language and literature, it is closely connected to philosophy, sociology, and psychology. As a description and explanation of the history of the German language and literature, it is particularly linked to other humanities and cultural studies, especially philology, history, and theater, film, and media studies.

Literature studies:  
Literature studies cover the full spectrum of German-language literature from the Middle Ages to the present. It is divided into Older German Literature (ÄDL, up to 1600), Modern German Literature (NDL, from 1500), and Children's and Young Adult Literature (KJL). In both research and teaching, it takes a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing the integration of philology, literary theory, and cultural studies. Key areas of focus include text analysis and the history of literature, literary and cultural theory, editorial philology, aesthetics and rhetoric, gender studies, theories of writing and imagery, and book and media practices.

Linguistics:  
The linguistics focus examines the structure, development, and use of language through the example of German. Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts and methods of modern linguistics and its key research areas during their studies. This focus includes the following fields: systematic linguistics (grammar and language competence, psycho- and neurolinguistics) and historical linguistics (the history of the German language and theories of language change).

The connection of Frankfurt’s German studies program to the vibrant literary city of Frankfurt, home to the international book fair, offers students a wide range of exciting activities outside the classroom. Students also benefit from numerous internal and external university collaborations, such as with the Freies Deutsches Hochstift, the Research Center for Historical Humanities, the Research Institute for Human Sciences, the Cornelia Goethe Center, local publishing houses, Hessischer Rundfunk, the Frankfurt Literature House, and the Cultural Office (with its literary series and festivals).

The minor Bachelor’s program in German studies is divided into a foundational phase and a qualification phase. Two areas of focus are selected, with either Modern German Literature or Linguistics being mandatory.

The modules in the foundational phase (1st–2nd semester) provide an introduction to methods, theories, and areas of study in two of the three focus areas of German studies: Older German Literature, Modern German Literature, and Linguistics.

In the qualification phase (3rd–6th semester), the knowledge acquired during the foundational phase is expanded and deepened. One of the focus areas, either Modern German Literature or Linguistics, is mandatory. Starting in the 3rd semester, the focus area Children’s and Young Adult Literature can also be chosen, provided the foundational module "Introduction to Literature Studies: Modern German Literature" has been successfully completed. To select the focus areas Older German Literature, Modern German Literature, or Linguistics, the successful completion of the corresponding foundational module is required. The second focus area is typically chosen by the end of the 2nd semester.

For more information about the minor in German studies, please visit the department’s webpage.